Prescription drug abuse is the use of a medication without a prescription, or in ways other than as prescribed. It’s a growing problem in the United States, with 52 million people reported to have abused prescription drugs at least once. Sadly, this can have serious health and legal consequences.
Addiction and Dependence
One of the most concerning risks of prescription drug abuse is addiction and dependence. Many prescription medications, including opioids for pain relief and stimulants for ADHD, have addictive properties. With continued abuse, the brain adapts to the presence of the drug, and cravings develop. Over time, prescription drug abuse can lead to physical and psychological dependence. When use is stopped, difficult and painful withdrawal symptoms may occur.
The rate of prescription opioid overdose deaths has quadrupled since 1999. In 2022, 81,806 Americans died from opioid-involved overdoses. The rise in prescription opioid addiction has also led to increases in heroin use, as some turn to the illegal opioid after losing access to prescription medications.
Health Complications
Prescription medications are potent chemical substances designed to have specific effects in the body. When not taken as prescribed, they can result in dangerous health effects:
- Opioids depress breathing and high doses can cause respiratory arrest and death. The risk of overdose is heightened when opioids are combined with other substances like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are unsafe at high doses and can cause cardiovascular issues, seizures, strokes or heart attacks.
- Sedative-hypnotics like Xanax and Valium slow brain activity. High doses result in extreme drowsiness, impaired coordination, and slowed breathing and heart rate.
- Diverted prescription medications may also be contaminated or counterfeit, resulting in unexpected side effects.
Psychological Changes
Beyond physical dependence, chronic prescription drug abuse can also alter brain chemistry and lead to lasting psychological changes. This can include depression, social withdrawal, sleep disturbances, aggression, and other behavioral changes. Existing mental health conditions may also be exacerbated.
Legal Consequences
The possession of prescription medications without a valid prescription is illegal. Prescription drug abuse may result in fines, probation, and even incarceration. Those who drive under the influence of impairing prescription medications may receive a DUI charge.
Doctors closely monitor patients on controlled substances and may cut off the prescriptions of those demonstrating drug-seeking behavior or abuse. This forces some with prescription drug dependence to turn to illegal means to get their drugs, putting them at further legal risk.
Social Impacts
Prescription drug abuse can negatively impact work performance, school grades, and interpersonal relationships. Individuals may give up social activities and hobbies they once enjoyed to use drugs. Financial issues are common as money is diverted to pay for prescriptions or illegal drugs. The stigma around prescription drug addiction also causes social isolation and family conflicts.
Seeking Treatment
Fortunately, prescription drug addiction is treatable with proper help and support. Medical detox programs provide monitored drug tapering and partial hospitalization to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment programs then focus on counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, and relapse prevention strategies.
If you or a loved one is struggling with prescription drug abuse, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Overcoming addiction is possible with comprehensive treatment.
Dariel Campbell is currently an English instructor at a university. She has experience in teaching and assessing English tests including TOEFL, IELTS, BULATS, FCE, CAE, and PTEG. With over a decade of teaching expertise, Dariel Campbell utilizes his knowledge to develop English lessons for her audience on English Overview.
